Cost Accounting Manager

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Job Summary
The Cost Accounting Manager will assist in the day-to-day cost accounting functions, including tracking, analyzing, and reporting on product costs & margin results. This role will support financial analytics on actual performance and provide insights business of the FP&A function may use as input for budgets, forecasts.  This person will help identify and execute process improvement initiatives to: 1) help drive more effective/efficient accounting operations 2) help the business optimize financial performance and cost efficiency. The Cost Accountant will work closely with the cost accounting team and other departments to gather data and ensure accurate cost information across the organization.  The cost accountant will ensure balance sheet accounts are properly reconciled, in line with corporate policies and US GAAP.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Balance Sheet Adequacy, Controls, Cost Tracking and Analysis
•    Oversee Balance Sheet reconciliations and ensure compliance with corporate policies.  Support adherence to key controls from the business. 
•    Maintain accurate cost records, including tracking raw material, labor, and overhead costs.
•    Perform regular cost analysis to identify cost trends and variances.  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate cost data is utilized in financial statement reporting and decision-making processes.
•    Assist in preparing cost reports and providing insights to support the Senior Manager of Cost Accounting in decision-making.

Support for Financial Planning and Budgeting
•    Collaborate on the budgeting and forecasting processes by analyzing cost inputs and cost drivers.
•    Prepare reports and summaries to assist in monthly financial reviews and cost reporting for senior management.
Data Collection and Modeling
•    Collect and organize cost data from various sources to support ongoing analysis and reporting.
•    Use Excel and other tools to develop and maintain cost models and reporting templates.
•    Analyze data to identify patterns or discrepancies and make recommendations to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Process Improvement Support

•    Assist in identifying opportunities to streamline cost accounting processes and improve data accuracy.
•    Participate in projects focused on cost allocation and expense tracking enhancements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
•    Coordinate with procurement, operations, and finance teams to ensure accurate data is used in cost calculations.  Ensure required adjustments are recorded timely in financial statements.
•    Communicate findings effectively with other departments to ensure understanding of cost-related information.

JOB SKILLS AND TRAITS
•    Critical thinking, problem solver with intellectual curiosity
•    Efficient, resourcefulness, and resilience
•    Process improvement oriented
•    Strong communication skills and an ability to interact with the business and explain accounting in terms the associates can understand

QUALIFICATIONS
•    Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
•    3-8 years of experience in cost accounting, finance, or a related area, ideally in a manufacturing environment.
•    Proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, basic formulas) and experience with data management and analysis.
•    Strong analytical skills with a detail-oriented approach to cost data.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborative work.
•    Experience with ERP systems or cost accounting software is a plus.
•    Eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.